Difference between relate to and associate

Both related to and associate with are related. It can be used in general cases, but there is a small difference.

First, their association degree is slightly different. The association with is more closely, but the association with the related to is not very closely. Associate associations can be closely related to the logical causal relationship, or the cause and effect of a thing's development. Related to is not closely related.

Secondly, associate with is more formal, and related to speak more orally.

He wish to forgot everything related to his childhood. Actually, you can use associated with here. But in comparison, related to is better. This is because the sentence means to express that everything related to childhood is forgotten (probably because of an unfortunate childhood ). Of course, as long as there is a relationship, you must forget it all, rather than forget it if it is very relevant. The slightly exaggerated statement everything related to his childhood accurately reflects what the author wants to express. While, Zou zhengdi, said everything
Associated with his childhood. It doesn't mean no, but it doesn't seem natural.

Associate the result with the cause. You do not need to related to here. The relationship between cause and result is very close and formal and written. In fact, associated with is often used in scientific papers to illustrate the relationship between the results of a test and a specific cause. This is a very common combination. The main reason is that associated with is formal and closely related.

Appendix:

Relative is relative. For example, relatively expensive is relatively expensive.

Related indicates a relationship. For example, related topics indicates a related discussion.

Relevant indicates the meaning of related personnel. For example, relevant officials indicates the meaning of related personnel.